Billy Te Kahika in Auckland Hospital after heart attack he says could have killed him

Controversial activist Billy Te Kahika jnr was taken to Auckland City Hospital after suffering a heart attack he says could have killed him.

The 54-year-old was flown from Northland to Auckland for specialist treatment after delaying medical attention for two days despite experiencing serious symptoms. It was identified he had a clot in his heart.

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A Facebook update posted on Saturday said Te Kahika’s condition had improved after a significant positive turn overnight, allowing him to breathe properly for the first time in three days. The update rejected speculation that he had secretly received a Covid-19 mRNA vaccination and confirmed his anti-vaxx position remained unchanged.

The heart attack was described as a ‘horrifying experience’, with the delay in seeking treatment acknowledged as a decision that could have proved fatal.

Te Kahika rose to national prominence during the Covid-19 pandemic through protests, online broadcasts and political campaigning against lockdowns and vaccination policies. He built a substantial online following while promoting anti-vaccination views and conspiracy theories involving Covid-19, 5G towers and the Government’s pandemic response.

That profile led Te Kahika to a brief political career as co-leader of the Advance NZ Party ahead of the 2020 general election. The party received about one per cent of the nationwide party vote and failed to enter Parliament. His bid for the Te Tai Tokerau electorate was also unsuccessful.

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Electoral convictions later followed over candidate donations and failures to keep required campaign financial records.

In 2023, Te Kahika was jailed alongside fellow activist Vinny Eastwood after the pair were convicted of illegally organising and attending a protest outside TVNZ’s Auckland headquarters during the nationwide Delta lockdown.

Online activity has continued since the failed parliamentary campaign, with regular live broadcasts to supporters.

The latest update indicates condition has improved, although Te Kahika remains in hospital following the serious cardiac event.

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